A miracle from God - Brayden

As the count down began, the excitement began to mount over Julie having her baby. If she didn't respond to text message within an hour, I assumed she was at the hospital.   Everyone was so excited for them.

The day finally came for her water to break (luckily at the doctor) and then to the hospital.  After a long night, he was finally born.  Brayden Jason Ruth.  And he was perfect - cone head and all.  A sweet bundle of love at 6 pounds, 9 ounces and 18 1/2 inches long.  So very proud of Julie for pushing him out.  And Jason for being Julie's protector.  What a truly perfect moment this must have been for them. So much hard work and hurt, but in the end God answered their prayers.

When the text came in, and we were off to the races to get to the hospital to meet him. And it was love at first sight for me.  I can remember the same exact feeling when I met Karle and Kahle for the first time.  It's like your heart grows just a little bit.  And the girls were just in aw over him and wanted to love him and hold him. 

I just love the feeling at the hospital after you have a baby.  There is just so much love and joy in the room.  It is one of the most blessed moments. And I was so happy to be able to share it with Jason, Julie and Brayden.

Dear God 

Thank you so much for answering prayers and giving Julie and Jason this most perfect gift.  They prayed for him for a long time and you brought this miracle into our lives. You truly are almighty. 

Amen

Christmas lights fun

We planned a fun night for the girls to go to MIS and drive through the Christmas lights, see reindeer and Santa.  And it was so fun.  We got there plenty early and didn't have to wait in line.  We actually waited to go in until it was darker.

First we saw Santa and then the reindeer.

We packed special snacks and drinks for the girls and let them sit up front with us.

Then we finished the night off with dinner on the drive home and PJs.  Both girls were sound asleep before we got home.  So fun!  Can't wait to do it again next year. 

First snow fall

The girls love snow.  Plain and simple.  Greta has been asking for snow since summer and we finally got enough to play in.  So much fun! 

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was a quick and short trip to Unionville since I had to leave on Saturday at 6 am for Chicago.

Lola and Greta also had a Thanksgiving celebration at school... and look at my little ham.  Of course the only one smiling and looking at the camera.

In Unionville, we also ventured out and got a couple Christmas trees for our front porch and helped mom cut down her's.

And lots of fun with aunts and cousins

Craft Show 2017

Another fun and successful craft show - this time with only Mom and Mary.  Julie was too close to D-Day.  We shopped, we bought, we braved the cold and had a great time.

Fun girls

Lately the girls have been super fun and super silly!

Being silly outside - gotta love the fresh hair

All ready for church!  Sunglasses were a must because it was foggy.

Trick or treating 2017

A first in our family... we went trick or treating... like the real kind where you go house to house. Our friends invited us to join them and despite snow earlier in the day, we bundled up and headed out. 

The kids had a great time! And ran and laughed and ate candy. After we’d had enough we headed back to their house to play and there were many tears when we had to leave. But lots and lots of fun was had by all!